Political commentary from the LA Times

Sarah Palin writer Joe McGinniss says moving next door to her is just coincidental

June 1, 2010 | 7:21
am

Joe McGinniss might as well have offered up some oceanfront property in Kansas while appearing on NBC's "Today" show.

After all, he was on a roll….

McGinniss, the true crime author who is writing a book on Sarah Palin, implied on national television Tuesday morning that his renting of property right next to Palin’s house in Wasilla, Alaska, was just coincidental.

“The fact is, I would be living in this house if the Palins lived on the moon,” a straight-faced McGinniss told "Today" host Matt Lauer.

Even Lauer -- even Lauer -- couldn’t let this one go.

“So it’s just coincidental that you’re in the house next door?” Lauer asked. “You’re not just simply to observe them?”

McGinniss ignored the first question.

“I’m not observing them at all,” McGinniss said. “I’m here to talk to people who have known them for 40 years in Wasilla.”

“Finally, those who are fond of Joe [McGinniss] might remind him (if he doesn’t already know) that Alaska has a law that allows the use of deadly force in protection of life and property,” read an editorial in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman.

-- Jimmy Orr

Photo: The fence between former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s lakeside home, rear, and the home being rented by author Joe McGinniss. Credit: Associated Press